My local dealership broke the law. I had been in discussion with them regarding a 2019 Ram 2500 with a Rocky Ridge upgrade package (6" lift, 20" wheels, 37" tires, power steps). MSRP was $72,970 and accessories were listed with a supplementary sticker for an additional $9,793. Originally the website only showed the MSRP with the Employee Pricing taking off around $10k. When I visited the salesman said they wouldn't sell it for the price listed online due to the added features. I had a suspicion it was against the law and told him so. He said he had been telling the same thing to his managers but they never changed the price. At that point I didn't do enough digging to KNOW it was against the law. The next day the online price reflects the MSRP, added accessories, with discounts of Employee Pricing. Bringing the sale price down back near MSRP. They wouldn't do a deal or accept my offer of my trade (valued at $30k) plus $40k including TTL. Fast forward a few days and I purchase another vehicle from another dealer.
The next day I see online that they now have it listed for less money than I offered them: MSRP ($72,970) + Accessories ($9,793) - Employee pricing ($8,440) - Dealer Discount ($9,772) = Sales Price ($64,551) - another discount ($1,000) = *dealership name* Price ($63,551). Louisiana Code Title 46, Part V, Chapter 7 shows that that format is legally binding. They cannot advertise a "Sales Price" or any other form of "Price" and not accept that offer. The law even gives the required format for listing an MSRP, discounts, and final price. I inquired about it to the salesman and he stated that they would not sell the truck for $63,551 or $64,551. I got it in writing via text. On the phone he also told me none of the vehicles they have listed online that have accessories have the correct price. I informed them I would contact the Louisiana Motor Vehicle Commission. The truck has since sold. LMVC has since contacted me and agreed with my assessment. The dealership contacted me last night and wants to resolve the issue. I suspect if I don't withdraw the claim they'll have to pay a fine and/or this unlawful advertising report will go onto their record.
Now comes the resolution. They offered to let me pick out a truck, they'd install the accessories, and I could purchase it for the price they listed. The problem is I now have a "new" 2019 Ram 2500 with over 1,000 miles which they'd have to sell as USED, so they would be able to stick it to me on trade in. Truth be told I only have $61k tied up in the truck (2019 Ram 2500 Laramie- MSRP of $72,670). He agreed that the trade in would be low so asked if I could give him an alternative solution. I suggested if he could get me the same lift as the original truck at cost with factory warranty, I'd accept that. He said he'd see what he could do and get back to me on Monday.
I'm interested to see what they'll come back with and also thinking of just going in to see what they would give me for my truck as a trade.
What do you guys think? Whats a fair resolution to this? Keep in mind they unequivocally broke the law. I don't want to take advantage of them but I feel some restitution is warranted. I need some opinions ASAP! Thanks!:confused013:
The next day I see online that they now have it listed for less money than I offered them: MSRP ($72,970) + Accessories ($9,793) - Employee pricing ($8,440) - Dealer Discount ($9,772) = Sales Price ($64,551) - another discount ($1,000) = *dealership name* Price ($63,551). Louisiana Code Title 46, Part V, Chapter 7 shows that that format is legally binding. They cannot advertise a "Sales Price" or any other form of "Price" and not accept that offer. The law even gives the required format for listing an MSRP, discounts, and final price. I inquired about it to the salesman and he stated that they would not sell the truck for $63,551 or $64,551. I got it in writing via text. On the phone he also told me none of the vehicles they have listed online that have accessories have the correct price. I informed them I would contact the Louisiana Motor Vehicle Commission. The truck has since sold. LMVC has since contacted me and agreed with my assessment. The dealership contacted me last night and wants to resolve the issue. I suspect if I don't withdraw the claim they'll have to pay a fine and/or this unlawful advertising report will go onto their record.
Now comes the resolution. They offered to let me pick out a truck, they'd install the accessories, and I could purchase it for the price they listed. The problem is I now have a "new" 2019 Ram 2500 with over 1,000 miles which they'd have to sell as USED, so they would be able to stick it to me on trade in. Truth be told I only have $61k tied up in the truck (2019 Ram 2500 Laramie- MSRP of $72,670). He agreed that the trade in would be low so asked if I could give him an alternative solution. I suggested if he could get me the same lift as the original truck at cost with factory warranty, I'd accept that. He said he'd see what he could do and get back to me on Monday.
I'm interested to see what they'll come back with and also thinking of just going in to see what they would give me for my truck as a trade.
What do you guys think? Whats a fair resolution to this? Keep in mind they unequivocally broke the law. I don't want to take advantage of them but I feel some restitution is warranted. I need some opinions ASAP! Thanks!:confused013: